The death should be registered within 5 days unless the Coroner has been informed

Where can I register the death?

A death will normally be registered in the Registration district where it occurred. If this is inconvenient you can go to any Register Office in England & Wales where a death declaration will be taken and the details sent to the Register Office in the area where the death occurred. That office will then send you, by post the Certificate for Burial or Cremation and the Social Security Notification form with any death certificates purchased. However due to postal arrangements there will be a delay in the issue of certificates which could subsequently delay funeral arrangements.

Do I need an appointment?

At many of the Register Offices in Northumberland an appointment is required please contact the office to check.

Who can register the death?

• A relative of the deceased
• A person present at the death
• A person arranging the funeral (however not the undertaker)

In certain circumstances others, such as the Administrators of Residential care homes can register the death. For more information and advice you should contact your local Register Office

What documents do I need to bring to register the death?

You need to bring a medical certificate of the cause of death, issued by a Doctor who has been in attendance upon the deceased.

The medical card will also be requested, however it is not essential so do not worry if it is unavailable.

If an Inquest is to be held or the death is to be referred to the Coroner, the Coroner's office will advise what steps you need to take.

What information is required to register the death?

The Registrar will ask a number of questions as follows: -

• Full name and any other name they have been known by (maiden name of a woman who has been married)
• Date and place of death
• Date and place of birth
• Their occupation (if they are a married or widowed woman, the full name and occupation of her husband)
• Usual address
• Date of birth of surviving spouse if applicable
• Were they in receipt of a pension from public funds i.e. civil service, army etc
• NHS number if their medical card is available

How much will it cost?

The registration is free as is The Certificate for Burial or Cremation and the Benefit Agency Notification Form. Any death certificates requested will be £3.50 at the time of registration and at least for another 28 days afterwards.

How long will the registration take?

Allow about 30 minutes for the registration.

What documents will I receive?

• Certificate for burial or cremation which the funeral director will need
• Death certificate – you may need certified copies for many reasons i.e. will, dealing with bank account, insurance policies etc. The fee for each certificate is £3.50 at the time of the registration.
• Benefit Agency Notification Form, which should be completed and sent to the Agency with any payment books so any pensions or state allowances of the deceased can be cancelled.

How many death certificates will I need?

This depends on who needs to be informed of the death i.e. banks, solicitors, insurance companies etc. The Registrar will be able to advise on the organisations likely to require a certificate. Often at least two certificates are purchased so one can be kept and the other posted.